From The Point Government To Formulate Information Policy Government To Formulate Information Policy As part of its drive to promote and sustain information communication Technology in the country plans are underway by government to put in place national communication and information policy. Such a policy when formulated would ensure fair and competitive practices in the regulations and management of telecommunications services in the country. Making this revelation on Monday 28th October, 2001, while deputising for the Secretary of State for Works and Communication at the opening ceremony of the Internet Week 2001 at the Kariaba Beach Hotel, Mr. Yusupha Dibba, Permanent Secretary in the Department stated that government has taken a interest in the development and expansion of Internet network throughout the country adding it was for this reason that government removed import tariff on computer and its related equipments. Mr. Dibba maintained government was fully committed to the principle of taking Internet service to the people so that The Gambia society could reap the potential benefits of these new technologies nothing that to achieve this requires a conducive environment where the operators would unfettered. Also speaking, Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Yankuba Gassama stated that the development of Health information system has played a vital role in effective management of health service delivery. However, Dr.Gassama warned that in the quest to reap these benefits, we must be seen as mere consumers. “We shall endeavour to create our own websites to disseminate information created by us on developments taking place here. This way, we will be participants in information society and not mere consumers of people’s products.” In his speech, the UN Resident Representative Mr. John Kakonge highlighted the benefits of ICTs and Commended The Gambia Government for taken the bold step in joining the information super highway and ensuring Internet development and expansion. However posited out that there are still rooms for improvement. Others speakers includes Mr. Bakary Njie Managing Director Gamtel, Dr.James Mwanzia WHO Rep. and Mr. Muhammed Jah ISOC chairperson. The week long event with the theme.” It for poverty Eradication: Focus on Health” is organised by Internet Society Gambia chapter in collaboration with UNDP, Gamtel and Quantum net. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>> To view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask] <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>